Red Devils turn their attentions to shock target Ryan Shawcross of Stoke City
Van Gaal is desperate to sign defensive support in January having not yet adequately replaced Patrice Evra, Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic.
Vlaar and Borussia Dortmund skipper Mats Hummels have both been shortlisted, but both are also proving to be extremely difficulty to sign.
That is why, according to the Daily Star, the 13-time Premier League champions have turned their attention to a former youth player in Shawcross, who has a buy-back clause written into his contract at Stoke.